Why STFX Soccer High Performance Academy

Here are just a few reasons why you should attend our academy:

• Nationally Qualified Coaching Staff (A Licence Head Coach)
• International Travel Opportunities
• Top Facilities (FX Sports Center, Johnny Bright Bowl, Victoria Soccer Centre, ESC)
• Post Secondary Placement Mentoring
• FIFA Based Education Curriculum
• St. Francis Xavier Soccer Academy is officially approved as a 3 Star Program by Alberta Soccer
• Individual Goalkeeping Instruction
• FIFA Based Futsal Training Curriculum at the Futsal FX Sports Centre
• Promotion to higher levels including the Vancouver Whitecaps, FC Edmonton, Provincial, National and Professional teams
• Formal Written Player Feedback Cards (Mid term and Final)

Year 1 (Training to Train Phase) Developmental Year

Full Year-$1600.00

*Does not include cost of required training apparel

• Commitment to educate and then evaluate
• Each year builds upon the previous year
• 1st year players bring “bad and good habits,” priority in the Development program is to introduce and reinforce the player to as many good habits as possible… on and off the field
• Emphasis is on the player and improving the individual’s technical ability
• 1st year player will find the program both enjoyable and challenging
• At all times, training sessions will be well-planned and completed wherever possible in a dynamic training environment

Year 1 (Grade 10) will be broken into 2 parts:

 Part 1 (Semester 1) Focus-Technical Focus

 Part 2 (Semester 2) Focus-Technical/Tactical Introduction 

• Promotion from Part 1 (Semester 1) to Part 2 (Semester 2) will be based on the following: 

      Class Attendance

      School Citizenship

      Academic Standing

      Attitude to Compete

      Ability to Perform 

Year 2 and 3 (Training to Compete) Competitive Year 

Full Year-$1600.00

• Commitment to educate, compete and evaluate, with the intention to prepare the player for post-secondary play
• Some review will occur, but assumption is made that all players will possess a good, basic understanding for the game and bring with them good training habits
• Players should bring with them a base from the previous years however, greater responsibility will be placed on the individual, with a priority to test players in a challenging, competitive environment.
• Emphasis is on the player and improving the individual’s technique-on-demand, decision making and speed-of-play
• Player will find the program both enjoyable and challenging
• For the most part, all training takes place in a challenging, competitive, small-sided-game environment

Staff

Saint Francis Xavier Soccer Academy staff is second to none in terms of knowledge, experience, and professionalism.

Mr. Franco Saporito

• Academy Director 1998 – Present
• Recently inducted to Alberta Soccer Association Centennial Recognition of the TOP 100 Players
• United Soccer Coaches Advanced National Diploma (National B License)
• Member of the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) Edmonton Drillers
• Two Time Senior Club National Champion (Men's Challenge Trophy)
• Three Time Alberta Select National Champion (U-16, U-18, Canada Games)
• Member of the Professional Canadian Soccer League (CSL) Edmonton Brickmen
• Five Year member of University of Alberta Golden Bear (CWUAA-Canada West All Rookie Team, CWUAA-Canada All West Team, CWUAA Champion, CIAU-USport National Semi Finalist) 
• U18 National Team Program
• Member of Alberta's Soccer Hall of Fame
• Edmonton Raiders Soccer Club Technical Director (12 years)
• 25 years in Edmonton Minor Soccer Association (EMSA) and Edmonton Inter Youth Soccer Association (EIYSA) as a youth and grassroots coach.

Mr. Neil Turnbull

• NCCP Level 5 Certification
• Coach of the Women’s National Program (1986-91)-(1995-1999)
• Former ASA Technical Director
• Former USport/NCAA Div 1 Head Coach
• Canadian A Coaching Licence Award

Mr. Leo McAndry

• Member of the National Training Center Prairies Coaching staff
• Assistant Coach with the Edmonton Aviators Women’s “W” league
• Provincial Select Team Head Coach with Alberta Soccer Association for 8 years
• Provincial B Licence Coach

Mr. Lars Hirshfeld

• Canadian B Coaching Licence Award

Registration timeline and forms

Click on links below to view PDFs.

Resources

2025-26 Soccer Academy Budget

2024-25 Soccer Academy Fee Report

How many hours per week does an academy student spend training?

Academy training that is sport specific such as “on-ice” or on the field is typically 3-4 times per week. Fridays are usually reserved for the teaching of Sport Performance outcomes or cross training to meet the outcomes related to the Physical Education program. 1-2 days a week the students are either in the Sport Center, Gym, Fitness Center or classroom. For a sample training schedule, for more specific details, please refer directly to each academy website or speak with the Director.

If the student is in the academy, does she/he still have time to take all the core curriculum prerequisites required to enter university?

Depending on the program that the student is interested in and how many prerequisite courses are required, a schedule is organized so that all courses can be accommodated within a three year plan.  If a student will require all three Sciences and as well as Math 30-1 and Math 31, it is important that they start “fast-tracking” early by taking 20 level courses in their grade ten year and one diploma level course in grade 11.  We do our best to accommodate all requests.

On a few occasions, the block(s) which host the academy conflict with a particular course that a student wants, e.g. English AP offered at the same time as block 3 for an academy.  If scheduling presents conflicts, we sit with the student and parent(s) one on one and work to rebuild their schedule.

On occasion, if it is possible to move their academy section to make room for a course that is scheduled at the same time, we will do so with the permission of the Director.  Students who have a full schedule and are not able to fit everything that they have requested often choose to focus on completing one course over summer school.

What credits do they get for academy, and are they valid for university or college admission?

Students earn 5 credits for Physical Education and 5 credits for Sport Performance. SP courses consist of 5 CTS modules and students earn one credit for each. To earn a high school diploma, 10 CTS credits are required. SP fulfills those criteria. As all of our students are required to take Religion and CALM, these courses are offered to academy students in class first, providing there is room in their timetable. If not, they can take these courses independently in modules or online.

How is the development program different from the competitive program in terms of hours?

Currently, each academy is open to athletes of all levels of ability. One of the goals of Academy programs is to improve skill proficiency for the novice athlete as well as the elite. Soccer in particular is offering a developmental program for students who are passionate about the sport and seek improvement with basic skills. Often, the competitive programs offer practice or training sessions beyond school hours, e.g., baseball hitting practice after school and 6:30am fitness center workouts. Please contact the Director personally for specifics relevant to their program

How does a player transition from the developmental to the competitive program?

Typically, students in grade ten who are new to the academy and new to high school have plenty of adjustments to make juggling athletics and academic responsibilities. Over time, student athletes develop at their own pace and eventually move up into a more competitive environment.

A grade twelve student who has been participating in an academy for the previous two years would likely join an advanced group in their third year. Having said that, all of our athletes develop at various rates with different goals and skill sets. A young player may arrive in grade ten and have experience training outside of the school with a provincial or national program.

Each Director is responsible for assessing and determining the best placement for the applicant. Many of the academies require reference letters and detailed information disclosing their current level of play, coach, position and team. All of this information is considered in assigning them a section in which the Director feels they would be most successful in both physically and emotionally.

How do students get to and from training that occurs off-campus during school hours?

Students are transported on one of our two FX school buses. We have two full time drivers who take care of drop off and pick up to every venue. These costs are included in their fees.

What if the player is injured - do they move into the 'regular' program or stay in the academy?

Depending on the severity of the injury, we would prefer that a student remain in the academy if at all possible. If the injury is minor, students are welcome to join in and participate at their comfort level. As an alternate activity, injured athletes may request time in the Learning Center to do homework or study or report to the fitness center to take part in a regiment which is specifically designed to enable the athlete to return to play, e.g., stretching, upper body strength routines, etc. If the student has suffered a major setback they may choose to withdraw from the academy at that time. They would lose their deposit however the remainder of their fees would be pro-rated on a monthly basis. If withdrawal is evident, doing so during a semester break allows us the opportunity to register them in other courses. If withdrawal is necessary mid-semester, students can sign up for online courses and earn credits to replace those that are lost.

How are applicants chosen if the program is over-subscribed? Do out of area applicants receive equal consideration as in-area applicants?

Many of our students are from out of area and all applicants would have equal opportunity. If the program is over-subscribed we will screen our applicants and choose student athletes who have a history of good attendance, citizenship, and work hard to earn marks that they are capable of. The academy programs are inclusive in nature so all levels of play are welcome. Depending on the academy and space available in the various sections, a student may be chosen with consideration given to their skill proficiency.

Can you be in the academy and still take AP classes? Is that a problem/difficult?

Where possible, we will work with a student’s schedule to accommodate all requests. If an AP course conflicts with an academy section, we either move the student to another section or they register in the course that is closest to the AP stream and the following year, move into AP. The flexibility of moving in and out of the AP courses from year to year is helpful.

To be eligible for admission, the student/athlete must:

•  Must be currently competing at PDP/Tier 1 or Tier 2 Level

    This is not a recreational program.

• Be prepared to train in high-intensity, game-pace situations and also be individually motivated to train on a regular basis throughout the year with the goal of becoming a post-secondary student/athlete.
• Obtain two letters of reference: Coach and Teacher

Click here to download form

• Have successful academic standing.
• First Year classes based on 20 males and 20 females.
• Deposit and contacts are complete prior to deadline date.

STFX Soccer Academy International Program

• STFX Soccer Academy is pleased to offer an international playing program.
• The objective of the program is to afford student athletes an opportunity to enhance both their competitive playing and educational experiences

View our current and past trips here